Pick, Prediction, & Preview:

Los Angeles Lakers vs Portland Trail Blazers

The Trail Blazers will welcome the Lakers to Moda Centre for their season opener. The Blazers will look to bounce back after a disappointing postseason while the Lakers are ready to shock the world with the acquisition of LeBron James they are ready to send a message to the whole league that the Laker are back. Game tips off at 10:30 PM ET.

Los Angeles Lakers's Latest Performance :

The Lakers are back, they have gotten their Superstar LeBron James. He has been the focal point of this offseason. He will bring the same intensity to the young Lakers as he will rise up the Lakers level of play something they have been missing since Kobe retired. The Lakers are trying something new instead of surrounding LeBron with shooters the team went out and signed Rajon Rondo and Lance Stephenson. Kyle Kuzma is expected to make a huge leap in his second year learning from LeBron. Lonzo Ball will have to healthy this season if he wants to make an impact on this new look NBA team. Playing against Portland would be a great test for the Lakers backcourt as Rondo will be in familiar territory after shutting down Lillard last postseason.

Player to watch: LeBron James, in his last time out he had 15 points, 10 rebounds, and five assists in just 18 minutes vs. Golden State. He made 5-of-8 FGs and 4-of-5 FTs, hit a 3-pointer, and had one steal with just one turnover. He should have a great regular season debut for the Lakers. We take for granted for the things he does on the floor because he does it so effortlessly.

Portland Trail Blazers's Latest Performance :

The Blazers had to learn the hard way as they were eliminated in the first round by the Pelicans after a terrific run to end the regular season. In the playoffs, it is all about matchup and Portland got outplayed by the Pelicans. Damian Lillard continues to be Portland’s main player he will put up big numbers for the team on a nightly basis. The problem with Portland is that besides their terrific backcourt in Lillard and McCollum they don’t really have any offensive weapon on the floor. This season they brought Seth Curry to back up Lillard and CJ. The small forward position has been a wasteland in Portland, as Moe Harkless and Evan Turner are not starting caliber players. Zach Collins should be more involved in the Portland offense because of his ability to stretch the floor. Going up against the Lakers will be tough because no one on the team can stop LeBron and once he gets going they will have to send the double which will open an opportunity for other players on the Lakers squad.

Player to watch: Damian Lillard, it is year six for Dame Dollar he will be ready to go against the Lakers after sitting out against the Suns in their last preseason game. For Portland to create an upset against the Lakers Lillard must be himself and let the ball go from three, once he gets into the zone he is very hard to stop.

How Los Angeles Lakers & Portland Trail Blazers Matchup.

Vegas Odds, Offshore Odds, & Odds ATS:

Trail Blazers are 7-0 ATS in their last 7 games playing on 3 or more days rest.

Lakers are 6-1 ATS in their last 7 Thursday games.

Against The Spread Selection: Los Angeles Lakers

My reason for the pick :

The Lakers will begin their era with LeBron with a win over the Blazers on the road. LeBron will dominate from the very beginning. Rondo should be able to cancel out Lillard point production as he will be smothering him the whole game. With LeBron presence on the floor, it will bring up the confidence in the Lakers young players because they want to play well when LeBron is on the floor and play inspiring basketball. For Portland, it will be a long season for them but it is nothing new for them because they understand that the regular season is not a sprint but a marathon.

LeBron to lead the way for the Lakers as he takes down Portland on the road.

Betting trends for Los Angeles Lakers:

Lakers are 24-11 ATS in their last 35 when their opponent allows 100 points or more in their previous game.

Betting trends for Portland Trail Blazers:

Trail Blazers are 19-6-1 ATS in their last 26 home games.

Pete Brander

Hi, my name is Pete Brander, Living in Thailand, Ball is life!
I give sharp analysis on games, my style of writing is pretty straightforward simple and easy to read aim is to get clients the most wins and of course more cash.